HE WAS JUST DAYS AWAY FROM STARTING MIDDLE SCHOOL — THEN A GO-KART ROLLED INTO A POND

11-year-old Parker Mitchell was riding with his 8-year-old sister when their go-kart overturned into a pond in western New York. His sister escaped, but Parker could not be saved.

An 11-year-old boy has died after the go-kart he was driving with his younger sister overturned into a pond in western New York — just days before he was supposed to begin middle school.

The boy was identified as Parker Mitchell, a beloved student, athlete and friend whose family and community are now mourning a life they say was filled with energy, kindness and promise.

A TRAGIC ACCIDENT ON A FAMILY PROPERTY

The accident happened on Sunday, September 6, in the Town of Darien, Genesee County, New York.

According to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called at approximately 2:32 p.m. after receiving reports that a go-kart carrying two children had overturned into a pond on Fargo Road.

Parker, 11, was operating the go-kart, while his 8-year-old sister, Teagan, was riding as a passenger.

The vehicle ended up in the water, trapping Parker underneath.

Family members and firefighters were eventually able to free him. Deputies then performed CPR before Parker was airlifted by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Despite the emergency response, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

His younger sister was treated by medical personnel at the scene and released.

A BOY REMEMBERED FOR HIS KIND HEART

Parker’s death has devastated the people who knew him.

Friends and family remembered the 11-year-old as an energetic, athletic and caring child.

He was described as a straight-A student who loved sports and the outdoors. He played youth football and baseball and was known for his enthusiasm and welcoming personality.

A family friend described Parker as someone who was “vibrant and full of energy,” while his obituary remembered him as smart, kind, caring and genuine.

His youth football community, the Greece Chargers, has also mourned the loss of one of its young players.

HE WAS SUPPOSED TO START MIDDLE SCHOOL

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking details for those close to Parker is how close he was to the beginning of a new chapter.

He was only days away from starting middle school when the accident happened.

Instead of preparing for his first days in a new school, his family is now preparing to say goodbye.

A fundraising campaign has been created to help Parker’s family with funeral expenses and other costs following the tragedy.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the rollover.

Authorities have not publicly announced what caused the go-kart to overturn and enter the pond.

At this stage, officials have not indicated that anyone else was responsible for the accident.

The tragedy has left Parker’s family, friends and community struggling to understand how a normal day of riding a go-kart could end with the loss of an 11-year-old child.

A LIFE THAT ENDED FAR TOO SOON

Parker was only 11.

He was a student, an athlete, a brother and a friend — a child with years of school, sports, friendships and memories still ahead of him.

Instead, his loved ones are now remembering the boy they say brought energy and kindness wherever he went.

For a family preparing for the start of a new school year, everything changed in a matter of moments.

Parker Mitchell’s life was far too short — but the people who loved him say the impact he made will not be forgotten.